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Joey Elenterio, a Chronicle Rising Star in 2012, is no longer the executive chef at Mountain View’s Michelin-starred Chez TJ.

According to Chez TJ owner George Aviet, Elenterio recently gave his notice.

“It’s too bad, because he is very talented and very young,” Aviet says. “I was surprised, but a lot of chefs that have a lot of talent come here and get recognized, then they like to go on their own. It’s one of the benefits of coming to Chez TJ.”

Aviet understands the game, having been through it before with previous star chefs who proved their talent at Chez TJ before going on to bigger platforms (or their own restaurants), like Christopher Kostow, Joshua Skenes and Bruno Chemel.

“I don’t like the fact that they go on, but I’m also proud of them,” he says.

Elenterio came aboard Chez TJ back in spring 2011. No word yet on his next move.

As for Chez TJ, the restaurant is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, and Aviet is looking for his next rising star chef.

“I’m a tiny man in a little old house,” he laughs. “I’m looking forward to making a great change and maintaining an innovative restaurant with a great chef.”